The next morning the air was heavy with tension, but the packhouse felt strangely normal. Wolves trained, chores were done, and the younger pack members moved about as usual. But everyone who had seen the shadows knew that peace was only temporary.
I stayed close to Arlo as we walked through the main hall. His steps were slow, careful. The silver mark on his wrist pulsed faintly, reminding me that even though he was safe now, the bond made him a target.
“Try to stay calm.” I whispered, pressing my hand to his.
He nodded, but I could see the strain in his eyes. Every time a shadow of movement flickered past a window or a door, his shoulders tensed.
Asher followed close behind, arms folded, scanning the forest beyond the windows. Still getting upset about how close Arlo and I were but tr
